Changing
Aspects of Five Laws of Library and Information science in Modern Era.
Dr Anoop Kumar Bajpai
Senior Librarian
Medanta-The Medicity
Hospital, Gurgaon
anoopmlib@gmail.com
Abstract:
Five Laws of Library Science is a theory proposed by
S. R. Ranganathan in 1931, detailing the principles of operating a library
system. Five laws of library science are called the set of norms, percepts, and
guides to good practice in librarianship. Many librarians worldwide accept them
as the foundations of their philosophy. Dr. S.R. Ranganathan conceived the Five
Laws of Library Science in 1924. Mobile or cell phones are now a days an integral part of
modern telecommunications in every individual life. In many countries, over
half of the population use mobile phones and the mobile phone market is growing
rapidly. Mobiles are very useful tools and weapons in this present era.
Everyone has a mobile device and he wants to share something for society and
peoples of universe. Now days mobiles are best information tools like-
education, learning in every aspect, health, food, transport, ticketing,
scanning of documents, storage of information of million pages, save the money
and time.
Mobiles are most lethal weapon in
the world. It’s for crime, planning of murder/robbery, pornography, abduction,
filming of act without consent, gaming, wasting your time, and imbalance social
harmony peace in the world. (1,2)
Keywords: Five Laws of Library
Science, Mobiles, Social Media, Whatsapp, cell phones.
Introduction:
The 5 Laws of Library Science is a theory proposed by
S. R. Ranganathan in 1931, detailing the principles of operating a library
system. Five laws of library science are called the set of norms, percepts, and
guides to good practice in librarianship. Many librarians worldwide accept them
as the foundations of their philosophy. Dr. S.R. Ranganathan conceived the Five
Laws of Library Science in 1924. The statements embodying these laws were
formulated in 1928. These laws were first published in Ranganathan's classic
book entitled Five Laws of Library Science in 1931.
Today we are living in mobile revolution
era, which is changing very fast and frequent. There are thousand of social
media, electronic platforms, apps, social sites and whatsapp are exits in this
world. We are completely rolled 360 degree through social media. Social media
is very useful and effective tool/weapon for learning, educating, and sharing
information throughout world without wasting of time, space and money. Now days,
if you want to share something for society, you just post your information on
social sites, you won’t believe, your information growing continued in this
world.
If you are using these sites for
education purpose than, it is very effective tool and if you are wasting your
time and searching for destroying yourself that time, it is more dangerous than
nuclear bomb.
Social media has been ingrained into
our society today to such extent that it is virtually impossible for people to
take you seriously, if you are not using any media platform. Everyone is on
social media – young, child, old, rich, poor etc. Everyone is always in a
frenzy when it’s comes to socializing online. Even the corporate world has
jumped into the bandwagon and companies are very active online, posting updates
and answering queries.
There are many social networks to
choose form: some of the popular ones include – What’saap, Facebook, Twitter,
Linkdin, Snapchat and Instagram.
Mobile phones are undeniable today.
Almost everybody has a mobile phone. Formerly, it only functioned as a portable
mean of communication. The function of a mobile phone has developed into
entertainment. Furthermore, mobile phone has also come into the schools.
However, it has both positive and negative effect on students. This essay
argues that mobile phones will bring more negative than positive effect for
students. Of course, students use it as a mean of communication and sometimes
for an emergency call if they need it. Yet, they would use their mobile phones
for both bullying and cheating. Also, mobile phones will make students lost
concentration during their study.
According to Ankita S., Ahmadabad, India: Is a knife useful instrument or a
perilous weapon? It depends on how it is used. Same implies with the case of
technology. The greatest invention are those which affect the mass of people;
and of those greatest invention is cell phones .It would be very ungrateful on
our parts not to recognize how imperative are they to us. Cell phones have revolutionized
the human existence .This is possible only because they are getting cheaper and
cheaper day by day.(8)
As Albert Einstein once said “I fear the day that technology will suppress our human
mind interaction. The will have a generation of idiots”
According to Dr Anoop Kumar Bajpai “I fear and sure
that one day, mobiles will defeat our intelligence and only an army of fools
will be left in this world.
.
Steve Jobs Quotes
I always advise people – Don’t
wait! Do something when you are young, when you have nothing to lose, and keep
that in mind.
Albert Einstein
The most beautiful thing we can
experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.
According to me: We
are living in technological era, what will you share in social network, think
twice!
The Five laws of library science is a theory proposed by S. R. Ranganathan in 1931 detailing the
principles of operating a library system. Many librarians worldwide accept them as the foundations of their
philosophy.
These laws are:
1.
Books are for use.
2.
Every person his or her book.
3.
Every book its reader.
4.
Save the time of the reader.
5.
Library is a
growing organism.
The five laws of library science is theory proposed by S R
Ranganathan in 1931 detailing the principles of operating library system. In
the world most librarians accept them as the foundations of their philosophy.
Now days technology and social media increasing very fast, if we are not
implemented these sites in our library, we will left behind the world. Mobile
are very useful device for today world. So I am giving new five laws for
library science with more prone to mobile.
These laws are:
First Law: Books are
for use
The first law constitutes the basis
for the library services. Dr. Ranganathan observed that books were often
chained to prevent their removal and that the emphasis was on storage and
preservation rather than use. He did not reject the notion that preservation
and storage were important, but he asserted that the purpose of such activities
was to promote use. Without user access to materials, there is little value in
these items. By emphasizing use, Dr. Ranganathan refocused the attention of the
field to access-related issues, such as the library's location, loan policies,
hours and days of operation, as well as the quality of staffing and mundane
matters like library furniture, temperature control and lighting. [2]
The first law of library science "books are for
use" means that books in libraries are not meant to be shut away from
users.
Second Law: Every
person his or her book
The second law of library science "every person his
or her book" means that librarians serve a wide collection of patrons,
acquire literature to fit a vast collection of needs, and do not judge what
specific patrons choose to read. Everyone has different tastes and differences
and librarians should respect that.
Third Law: Every book
its reader
The third law of library science "every book its
reader" means a library's books have a place in the library even if a
smaller demographic might choose to read it.
Fourth Law: Save the
time of the reader
The fourth law of library science "save the time of
the user" means that all patrons should be able to easily locate the material
they desire quickly and efficiently.
Fifth Law: The
library is a growing organism
The fifth law of library science "the library is a
growing organism" means that a library should be a continually changing
institution, never static in its outlook. Books, methods, and the physical
library should be updated over time.
VARIANTS OF FIVE LAWS OF LIBRARY SCIENCE
Librarian Michael Gorman (past president of the American Library Association, 2005–2006), and Walt Crawford recommended the following laws
in addition to Ranganathan's five in Future Libraries: Dreams, Madness,
and Realities [American Library Association, 1995, p. 8]. Gorman later
repeated them in his book Our Singular Strengths [American
Library Association, 1998]. B. Shadrach (Indian Public Library Movement, 2015)
proposed an alternative to Ranganathan's five laws at the 2015 Indian Public
Libraries Conference in New Delhi.
1.
Libraries serve humanity.
2.
Respect all forms by which knowledge is communicated.
3.
Use technology intelligently to enhance service.
4.
Protect free access to knowledge.
5.
Honor the past and create the future.[3]
In 2004, librarian
Alireza Noruzi recommended applying Ranganathan's laws to the Web in his paper,
"Application of Ranganathan's Laws to the Web":
1.
Web resources are for use.
2.
Every user has his or her web resource.
3.
Every web resource its user.
4.
Save the time of the user.
5.
The Web is a growing organism.[4]
In 2008, librarian
Carol Simpson recommended that editing be done to Ranganathan's laws due to
media richness. The following were:
1.
Media are for use.
2.
Every patron his information.
3.
Every medium its user.
4.
Save the time of the patron.
5.
The library is a growing organism.[5]
In 2015, B.
Shadrach proposed an alternative set of laws adapted from Dr. S. R.
Ranganathan:
1.
Knowledge is for use in ‘all’ forms
2.
Every citizen has the right to access ‘all’ knowledge in 'all'
forms
3.
Every piece of knowledge is for access by ‘all’ without
discrimination of any kind
4.
Save the time of ‘all’ of the knowledge seekers
5.
A library or a knowledge system is one that evolves with time to
achieve all of the above laws
In 2016, Dr. Achala
Munigal recommended that editing be done to Ranganathan's laws due to
introduction of Social Tools and their applications in Libraries:
1.
Social Media is for use – increasingly in libraries by
librarians
2.
Every user his/her Social Tool
3.
Every Social Tool its user
4.
Save time of user by providing information he/she seeks using
the social tool he/she is familiar with.
5.
Social Media is a growing organism, with various tools and apps
being introduced every day. Libraries are not brick and stone anymore. They
serve members and non-members alike in terms of non-traditional library
service, irrespective of space and time[6]
In 2019, Dr. Anoop
Kumar Bajpai recommended that editing be done to Ranganathan's laws due
to introduction of Mobiles phone in Libraries:
- Mobiles are for use (use for education, learning and social responsibly)
- Everyone his/her own mobile (you can access anything’s
from anytime)
- Every
mobile has its users (poor, rich, child and old,
no matter caste, age, religions and customs)
Mobile phones
technology made and still makes the world a small village. With one of them in
your pocket, as long as it is on, you can connect with friends, family or even
make new friends around the world. Thanks to calling ability, texting, video
calls, chats, and the event full social media, you will remain connected as
long as you wish.
- Save the time of user (time, space, money and accuracy):
Mobiles are very useful tools and
weapons for everybody. Please use it very carefully for education, for health,
for social changes, for save the time and space and many more.
If you are using mobiles for Rumors, Crime,
lynching, harmony disturbance and social imbalance, than it a most dangerous
weapon for our society. It’s depends on you only, what purpose mobiles are
using.
- Mobile is a growing technology (Day by day mobile cost is decreasing so that
no one left without this useful tool and weapon. The growth of mobile phone use worldwide
has reached the level that in many nations there are more phones than
adults.
Use of mobile in
library context:
I am working as a librarian in
medical hospital library. We have subscribed Clinicalkey.com (it’s a books,
journals, and other online resource for medical libraries designed by Elsevier’s
and many more online resources are available in the market for libraries
betterment: like UpToDate, Pubmed, OVID, CINHall, Infoteck, BMJ Learning, MD consult.)
and it has more than 1500 books, 650 online journals in all specialty. Our
doctors and users will access these services in their personal computer. As
soon as remote access feature added in all journals are available in your
mobiles/
Disadvantages
of Mobile Phones
1. Interruptions
Mobile phones are a constant, always available, and real-time
communication avenue. Incoming calls, emails, texts or social media-related
notification get into your phone a few seconds after being sent. It is a
convenient thing but how about all those ringing and notifications when listening
to a manager or CEO in a business meeting? That sound does not interrupt you
alone but also the speaker and other members in the room. It does not end
there; mobile phone interruptions happen at weddings, family gatherings, movie
theatres or offices. It is not only an annoying but also a frustrating
happening.
2. Distraction
How could
distraction to not be among the disadvantages of mobile phones? By mobile
phones creating a real-time communication avenue, the compelling feeling to
make calls, text or even video calls while driving or working is very
distracting. This does not only come as a detrimental effect on work or class
productivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say every
day close to nine people die in road accidents caused by a mobile
phone-distracted driver.
3. Isolation/ distance from relatives
It's true
mobile phones make people connected and the world a small village. But if not
used carefully, it can isolate you from family and people around you. One of
the typical negative impacts is where you meet a group of youths seated around
a coffee table but not talking to each other; all are glued to their cell or Smartphone
screens. Additionally, if a teenager or a partner is too much into their mobile
phone, this can hurt their relationship with the family or partner
respectively.
4. Health problems/
In 2011, International
Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified mobile phone radiation possibly
carcinogenic, means that there “could be some risk” of carcinogenicity, so
additional research into the long-term, heavy use of mobile phones needs to be
conducted. (9)
Late
night chats and mobile phone games playing on bright screen results to eye
problems. On a different note, network waves can result in some skin cancers. If
you decide to scrutinize the disadvantages of mobile phones usage, there are
even more. Eye cancer, sleeplessness which causes chronic fatigue during the
day, and infertility related to Wi-Fi connectivity are among the worries.
5. Loss of money
Being a mobile
phone enthusiast, trend and fashion lover will leave you minus a considerable
amount of money maybe every three to six months. You want to have that latest
brand, that new and nice looking phone accessory; all result in debits to your
pocket. Not to forget airtime credit and internet charges every day.
6. Loss of Human Life
It may cause of your death, some peoples use it
during driving, which may cause of accident. Or using in aero-plane can dismiss
the wireless system and that may cause of plane crash.
Advantages
of Mobile Phones
The
advantages of mobile phones make them fundamental accessories if not
necessities. There are several economic and social advantages as explained
below.
1.
Connect to the world
If you
have a mobile, you can contact to the world…Thanks to calling ability, texting,
video calls, chats, and the event full social media, you will remain connected
as long as you wish.
2. Entertainment
You can sing a song, listen a
song, and enjoy movies and many more entertainment like play a game and many
more
3. Safety
Mobile
phone GPRS can help you trace your way home or help authorities to locate you
respectively. Lastly, if any emergency situation happens like an accident or a
car breakdown, you can call for rescue or help.
4. Alarm & reminder
You can
manage a to-do list using your mobile phones reminder option. Additionally, if
you are planning to wake up early in the morning, you can set the alarm with a
volume and notification sound of choice. This will help you wake up early
enough and avoid being later for your meeting, class or any scheduled activity.
5. Data transfer
At the
current age, with a mobile phone, you do not have to send your credentials,
video, photos or even document through the post office anymore. With a few
button presses or screen touching, your data transfer will be sent and received
within a few seconds across the globe.
6. Various utilities
Your
phone is not only a call, entertainment or data transfer gadget. There are
other utility tips of these devices. A mobile phone can act as a torch, a
recording device, data storage, calculator, calendar, camera, and many other
utility features. There are a lot of learning applications for students in app
store. With the help of these apps students can learn and get the applications
according their subjects (11)
The Final Thought
With all
that said and done, the way you utilize your mobile phone matters. If used
wisely, a mobile phone can be one of the best gadgets you will ever hold. You
can use it to benefit your life profitably. Don't let the disadvantages of
mobile phones discourage you, it's a matter of choosing how best can it benefit
you.
The
American Cancer Society (ACS) states that the IARC classification means that
there could be some risk associated with cancer, but the evidence is not strong
enough to be considered causal and needs to be investigated further.
Individuals who are concerned about radiofrequency exposure can limit their
exposure, including using an ear piece and limiting cell phone use,
particularly among children. (11)
Scientists
have reported adverse health effects of using mobile phones including changes
in brain activity, reaction times, and sleep patterns. More studies are
underway to try to confirm these findings. When mobile phones are used very
close to some medical devices (including pacemakers, implantable
defibrillators, and certain hearing aids) there is the possibility of causing
interference with their operation. There is also the potential of interference
between mobile phones signals and aircraft electronics. Some countries have
licensed mobile phone use on aircraft during flight using systems that control
the phone output power.
Research
has shown an increased risk of traffic accidents, about 3–4 times greater
chance of an accident, when mobile phones (either handheld or with a
“hands-free” kit) are used while driving due to distraction. (12)
Children
have the potential to be at greater risk than adults for developing brain
cancer from cell phones. Their nervous systems are still developing and
therefore more vulnerable to factors that may cause cancer.
The FDA
(13) have suggested steps to reduce the exposure to radiofrequency energy:
Reserve
the use of cell phones for shorter conversations or for times when a landline
phone is not available.
Use a
hands-free device, which places more distance between the phone and the head of
the user.
Conclusion
The 5 Laws of Library Science is a
theory proposed by S. R. Ranganathan in 1931, detailing the principles of
operating a library system. Five laws of library science are called the set of
norms, percepts, and guides to good practice in librarianship. Many librarians
worldwide accept them as the foundations of their philosophy. Dr. S.R.
Ranganathan conceived the Five Laws of Library Science in 1924. The statements
embodying these laws were formulated in 1928. These laws were first published
in Ranganathan's classic book entitled Five Laws of Library Science in 1931.
Here we
can say that the five laws of library science are backbone of libraries and
changing aspect of five laws are changing according to users needs.
Mobile
phones are efficient communication devices and make life easier. Whether
locating a friend or following up with a new contact, mobile phones allow you
to connect to people in any part of the world. New mobile-phone models are
constantly engineered to meet the needs of consumers and now have
multifunctional tools that may be useful in everyday life.
These laws of Library Science are the
"fundamental laws" of Library Science. These are applicable to any
problem in the areas of library science, library service, and library practice.
These laws are like pot containing oceans. Prior to their enunciation, the
subject of Library Science had no philosophy. These laws gave a philosophical
base, guaranteeing an everlasting future to the subject of library science, the
profession of librarianship, and the use of libraries. These laws have provided
a scientific approach to the subject of library science. Even though S.R.
Ranganathan proposed the Five Laws of Library Science before the advent of the
digital age, they are still valid and equally relevant today.¹
Once considered a luxury of the rich, mobile
phones are now an everyday gadget for people across the globe. The number of mobile phone users in the world is
expected to pass the five billion mark in 2019. Mobile phone users in India
crossed 581 million users in 2014 and has been on a steady rise over the last
decade. According to a survey by eMarketer in 2015, India is estimated to have
over 800 million mobile phone users in 2019.
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- ^ Jump
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- ^ Noruzi,
Alireza (2004). "Application of Ranganathan's Laws to the
Web." Webology, 1(2), Article 8. Available at: http://www.webology.org/2004/v1n2/a8.html
- ^ Simpson,
Carol. "Five Laws". Library Media Connection 26 no7 6 Ap/My
2008. Available at: http://www.carolsimpson.com/5laws.pdf
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Achala (August 2016). Ravi, Sharada (ed.). "124th Jayanthi
Sandharbanga: Grandhalaya Tapsvi Ranganathanku
Niwali". Granthalaya Sarvasvam(in Telugu). Vijayawada: Andhra
Pradesh Library Association: 4–7. ISSN 0972-8104.
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- https://www.bartleby.com/essay/Mobile-Phones-P3XYACVAJFRSX
- http://www.meritsdemerits.com/advantages-disadvantages-mobile-phones-points/
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